Muzeum Susch - Lecture: Marta Kowalewska

Lecture: Marta Kowalewska

Lecture: Marta Kowalewska

Turning Points: Tapta in the International Biennial of Tapestry in Lausanne

The lecture focuses on Tapta’s pivotal role in redefining textile art, particularly through her participation in the Lausanne International Tapestry Biennial. It examines how Tapta moved beyond traditional tapestry techniques, exploring new materials like sisal, ropes, and later, rubber, to create interactive spaces and sculptures. Special attention is given to her works like The Wild One and Forms for a Flexible Space, which transformed textiles into immersive environments. The lecture highlights Tapta’s evolving artistic language, emphasizing her shift from decorative elements toward minimalist, industrial forms, and her continuous pursuit of material-driven creativity.

CULTURAL STATEMENT

¬ Engaging History to create dialogues:

Grażyna Kulczyk sets great store by her role as an ambassador for contemporary Polish and Middle Eastern European art, which has long been omitted from the canon and tended to be overlooked by the majority of Western critics and collectors, due to the particular political environment of the former Eastern bloc states. Beyond this general ambition, her collecting strategy at Muzeum Susch also reflects two key interests: international artists have joined the collection, opening up new perspectives and highlighting contrasts between works, but also hinting at parallels and raising questions about the multifarious and complex relations between East and West in general. These expanded perspectives and contrasts within the collection provide the basis for commentary on complex and timely global concerns. The women’s perspective in the collection adds a clear feminist mission to Grażyna Kulczyk's endeavors, whose own history as an independent, creative entrepreneur is at the root of her deep understanding and emotional connection to issues women face in their artistic practice. Her collection at Muzeum Susch reflects this interest, inviting and encouraging participation, contributing to the recognition and greater visibility of women - as artists and elsewhere."

Grażyna Kulczyk, photo: © Anoush Abrar for Art Stations Foundation CH / Muzeum Susch